Roger Daltrey Invades ACM@UCO

Students at ACM@UCO were attentive listeners during a 90-minute questions-and-answer “master class” with The Who’s Roger Daltrey on Wednesday night at Maker’s Cigar and Piano Bar in Bricktown.

“I’m very impressed with your college — it’s fabulous. And well done to the Lips!” - Roger Daltrey

Roughly 150 students, professors and special guests were in attendance, while president Scott Booker hosted. Special guests included members of the Flaming Lips, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, Simon Townshend (who plays with Daltrey on his solo dates and held a master class of his own at ACM@UCO on Thursday), local politicians, select members of the media and yours truly.

The deadline for Spring 2010 admission to ACM@UCO is November 15.

Daltrey was very candid during the Q&A session, answering questions on various stages and aspects of his career. Two main points stuck out to me - advice ACM@UCO students should really take to heart.
He was direct about the importance of protecting your ears on stage and in the studio. The Who was officially given the title of “The Loudest Band in the World” in 1976, but that would not be without consequence. Guitarist Pete Townshend suffered from tinnitus in the 1980s and bassist John Entwistle was almost completely deaf for the last seven years of his life. Daltrey said Entwistle had to lean back on an amp to feel the band’s sound and keep in time.
Daltrey also dispensed valuable advice on performing your own style of music. After being informed that ACM@UCO students are working on The Who’s 1965 single “I Can’t Explain” this week, Daltrey was asked if he had any advice for students on playing the song.

“No… none whatsoever. Perform it how you feel it.” - Roger Daltrey

The crowd erupted into applause.
For a look into the rest of the night, check out this excellent article by George Lang of The Oklahoman.
After the jump, Lang discusses Wednesday night’s event.